How to Install a New Bathtub

After a long day of shopping at your favorite local home improvement store, you have successfully made it home with your new tub. It's getting late and you'd like to take a shower before bed. No need to worry. Now that your old tub is out of the way and you have taken the time to prepare before you went shopping, you can have your tub in place in no time. This installation should take about an hour and will give you a lot of do-it-yourself satisfaction.

Things You'll Need

• Level
• Tape
• Adhesive
• Carpenter's knife
• Screwdrivers
• Silicone caulk
• Caulk gun

Instructions

1. Open and measure. Always take the time to double-check that you have gotten the right size bathtub. Inspect the bathtub and look for any defects before installing; you certainly do not want to try to return the bathtub halfway through your installation.

2. Insert the bathtub. Carefully slide the bathtub in place, making sure not to bump your drain and overflow pipes. Once the tub is in place, take your level and check to make sure it is level. This will prevent standing water in your bathtub. When leveling is done, anchor the bathtub to the wall with screws, according to the manufacturer's suggestion.

3. Attach the drain and overflow. Now that your bathtub is in place, it's time to install the new drain and overflow hardware. Add the new rubber gasket that came with your new drain, then simply turn the drain clockwise, until it is tight. Install the new overflow hardware at this time. Simply add the gasket that came with the hardware then turn the two screws clockwise, until they're tight.

4. Install the shower enclosure. Starting with your three-piece shower enclosure, take the first piece that belongs in the front and cut the holes for the faucet and knobs. Once this is done, lay the piece in place and tape it to the wall. Next, place the remaining pieces and tape them up. With the shower enclosure in place temporarily, check its fit to make sure everything is level. Take down the parts and tape. Start spreading your shower adhesive on the wall where your shower enclosure was. Do not use too much glue; you don't want a mess. Place the shower enclosure back in place.

5. Install the faucet and knobs. Place the faucet against the pipe and turn it clockwise until it is tight and pointing down. Install the knobs by putting them in place and turning the screws clockwise, until they're tight. Put on the knob covers. Make sure that the hot and cold covers are on the correct faucets.

6. Seal the bathtub. Run a 1/4-inch bead of silicone caulk around where the shower enclosure and bathtub meet. Then, run a 1/4-inch bead of silicone caulk where the bathtub and floor meet. This will prevent any spillage from seeping under the bathtub.